What Do We Dance? Part 2

Salsa has never been fully defined by anyone. It has roots in Latin and European music styles which all fused in the Caribbean, particularly in Cuba among the Cubans of African descent. These styles migrated to New York City where Salsa was first introduced to the United States. Some say this is where Salsa was born. But, as per usual, there had been sparks in the periphery of the Caribbean, Columbia, Central America and Mexico.

The rise of Salsa is tied to Fania Records which was founded in 1964. The Palladium with the basis of Mambo folded in 1966. Salsa, even today, is the most popular dance in Latin clubs worldwide at the moment. However, in the vanguard is New York City and there the Salsa Clubs are closing. Salsa is similar to mambo in that it has 4/4 timing with dancers stepping on three of the four beats. It is faster than most Latin music and has an energy that makes it infectious.

Reggieton was going to make it and take over from Salsa. But nevah happened. Now Bachata, Zouk and Zumbia coming up. And after that? Not even the kids know.

Most people use music as a couch; they want to be pillowed on it, relaxed and consoled from the stress of daily living. But serious music was never meant to be soporific.
~Aaron Copland

Swing, East Coast, - Single Time
Lindy hop and East coast swing, also known as Jitterbug, originated in Harlem in the 1920's. There are several variations of East Coast Swing basically determined by the number of steps taken. Single time swing is faster than double or triple step swing and as a result dancers will take fewer steps.

Lindy hop is a different variation of swing than East coast swing or Jitterbug but they are both danced to the same music. Typical East coast swing music is in the range of 135 to 155 beats per minute.

"Fools Fall In Love" By Rocky Sharp

Swing, East Coast (Triple Time) or Jitterbug, originated in Harlem in the 1920's. There are several variations of East Coast Swing basically determined by the number of steps taken. Single time swing is faster than double or triple step swing and as a result dancers will take fewer steps. East coast swing is typically danced to big band music of the 40's or 50's rock and roll classics from artists like Chuck Berry or Elvis.

It can be danced to many other styles of music like blues, Motown or country western. Typical East coast swing music is in the range of 135 to 155 beats per minute.

"Move, Baby, Move" By Satorello"

Swing, West Coast is the state dance of California and originated in the 1930's from Lindy Hop. Both San Diego and Los Angeles claim to be the birthplace. One legend is that it originated by sailors who were too drunk to do anything but push the woman back and forth. It was popularized by Dean Collins who traveled to Los Angeles from New York where he learned Savoy style swing. It was originally called Sophisticated Swing and later Western Swing. West coast swing can be danced to a variety of music styles.

Originally rhythm and blues was the favorite music style, but today you can see people dancing to country western, hop hop, disco or pop. 112 to 120 beats per minute is optimal but a very sexy West Coast Swing can be danced at 90 to 100 beats per minute.

What happened to the Tango? Again its own diversity is holding it back. too many different opinions. Of course the worse opinion is you are doing it all wrong! Who Says? The American was not doing too bad up until the 70s when the the International came in and of course, everyone else was doing it wrong except the International style people.

While the American was floundering around, our large Filipino population introduce the Filipino Tango and is currently my favorite. Though the Finnish Tango is a close second. And the Chineses Tango look good, but only taught in California. With some continued fusion with American and Argentine Tango, the Filipino Tango could evolve into one terrific island Tango. We just need some teachers that do not have LAGS. (latest and greatest syndrome.)

"Til I Waltz Again With You" By Theresa Brewer

Waltz originated around Vienna and as early as the 17th century was popular in the Hapsburg court. In the 18th century it spread to French high society. The waltz was criticized as immoral because of the close proximity of the dancers and the quick turning motions.

Waltz music is easily recognizable because it is always 3/4 timing, that is the beats can be counted as 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3... It is one of the all time favorites throughout the world.

"No, Dancing in the Dark doesn't have as many lives as a cat.
It just seems that way."